Utah Jazz guard and former No. 5 overall pick Dante Exum is on the verge of returning to the court this season.
Despite all the hubbub surrounding the NBA trade deadline, the best late-season acquisition for the Utah Jazz may end up being a player that was already on the roster. Specifically, combo guard Dante Exum, who’s been out since the preseason.
Although many expected he would miss the entirety of the 2017-18 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery, Exum’s return may now be on the horizon. According to Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey, the team is even “planning” on his return before season’s end.
Here’s the scoop from Lindsey, via 1280 AM The Zone in Salt Lake City —
"We’re very excited; Dante Exum just passed another check-up and that would be really neat to have him join our team sometime in mid-to-late March if everything works out. So we’re planning for Dante’s return."
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The 22-year-old last played on October 6 in an exhibition bout with the Phoenix Suns. During the game, the AC joint of Exum’s left shoulder was destabilized when Suns’ forward T.J. Warren collided with him while attempting to block a lay-up.
Before the injury, high hopes were had for the backcourt combination of Exum and rookie Donovan Mitchell. The two displayed a good on-court chemistry during the Utah Jazz Summer League. They were arguably the league’s best performers as well.
Over three summer league contests, Exum averaged 20 points, 6.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Since that time, Mitchell has emerged as a Rookie of the Year front-runner. Exum, meanwhile, was forced to watch from the sidelines. More recently, though, the former No. 5 overall pick has been snapped working out before games —
Dante Exum getting some pregame work in, as has been his custom recently. Looking good. pic.twitter.com/MFWC51QXFQ
— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) February 10, 2018
Dante Exum works out before the Jazz's game against Memphis. He's getting closer to a return. pic.twitter.com/MfmaOpNuAH
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) February 7, 2018
Dante Exum getting some pregame stuff in pic.twitter.com/6QcIaOSqzD
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) February 7, 2018
Given his extended absence it may take time for Exum to gain a foothold when/if he returns to the court. If he can do so, however, it could be of major benefit to both the player and the team.
Exum will be a restricted free agent this summer and needs to show he hasn’t been derailed by his injuries. As for the Jazz, the team finds itself just a handful of games behind the heart of the West’s playoff picture.
Next: Report: Joe Johnson to sign with Houston Rockets
In 148 career games with the Jazz, Exum is averaging 5.4 points and 2.1 assists per contest.